Obituary
CUGNET, Margaret Bernice
B.A. – B.S.W. – S.O.M.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear Margaret on December 14, 2020.
Margaret was born in North Battleford, SK on April 16, 1932. She lived there with her adoring parents Hazel and Mel Harris and her sister Dian until 1948 at which time they moved to Saskatoon. She attended Nutana Collegiate where she excelled in all her studies. At the same time she completed the Toronto Conservatory of Music Grade 10 level and all the theory requirements for an ARCT degree. Following high school she attended the University of Saskatchewan where she became actively involved in the activities on campus including being a member of the Synchronized Swim Team. She graduated with an Arts Degree and then worked as a Social Worker in Yorkton for one year. It was there she met her future husband Lucien Cugnet. She then moved back to Saskatoon and worked for the Department of Social Services for two years. Following that she attended the University of Toronto and upon graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work was employed with the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton, ON. Her heart was always in the prairies and so Margaret moved back to Yorkton and once again worked for the Department of Social Services. In 1962 she married her beloved Lucien at Knox United Church in Saskatoon where she had been a faithful member while growing up. After settling in Yorkton she took several University classes to obtain her teaching certificate and became a guidance counsellor and teacher for 24 years. Margaret retired in 1989.
Margaret strived for excellence and always enjoyed a challenge to help make her corner of the world a better place. It was said that Margaret lived and breathed her volunteer activities which spanned from sports, culture and the arts to many community organizations. Over the years she earned many awards and has been recognized for her work and achievements. Some of the awards included the 1985 Citizen of the Year for Yorkton, the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Award of Merit, Synchro Saskatchewan Honour Service Award, the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Council Volunteer Recognition of Merit, the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Council Life Membership, the Saskatchewan Culture Provincial Volunteer Award, and the Yorkton Film Festival Service Award. In 2003 Margaret received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the Provinces highest honour. Most recently she was the recipient of one of the top 100 Canadian Most Notable Women Awards from the Canadian Federation of University Women.
Margaret was a faithful member of the Yorkton Westview United Church where she attended weekly Bible studies for many years. Her love of travel included trips to Europe, Hawaii, Africa, Cuba, Japan, Mexico, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Australia and New Zealand. Following Lucien’s death in 2002, Margaret continued to manage their apartments in Yorkton.
In 2017 Margaret moved back to Saskatoon where she was warmly welcomed by her family and once again was so happy to attend services at Knox United Church every Sunday. In 2018 Margaret moved to Circle Drive Special Care Home where she was cared for with love, dignity and respect.
Margaret’s very best place to be in the summer was at her cabin at Waskesiu Lake where she and Lucien could be with family and friends. Our family was truly blessed to have had her in our lives. She has loved, supported and encouraged her nieces Joanne and Sharon, her nephews John and Robert and their families. She took a keen interest in their lives. Her love of the arts and music have instilled in us that same joy.
Margaret died peacefully at Circle Drive Special Care Home on December 14, 2020. Her strong values for life have touched us all and we loved her dearly.
Margaret was predeceased by her parents, her husband Lucien and grand nephew Aaron Walsh. She will be deeply missed by her sister Dian (Pat Walsh), nieces Joanne (Scott Kendal), Sharon (Hugh MacGowan), nephews John Walsh (Janet), Robert Walsh (Miranda), grand niece Michelle MacGowan, grand nephews Matthew and John Kendal, Joshua and Jonathan MacGowan, Luke and Jack Walsh and Jonah Walsh.
A family memorial service was held on December 18, 2020.
We really never lose the ones we love…
They live forever, within our hearts.
Arrangements in care of Chelsea Krentz – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Cugnet, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Margaret Cugnet December 14 2020..
Mourning Glory Funeral Services
Death notice for the town of: Saskatoon, Province: Saskatchewan